Quite Like Paradise (Casi el Paraíso)

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Filmmaker Edgar San Juan is scheduled to introduce the screening and lead a post-film Q&A. 
 
Quite Like Paradise is a dark satirical comedy about the art of deception. The story follows Ugo Conti, a charming young man who pretends to be a striking European aristocrat in order to lead a life of luxury. Arriving in Mexico City, Ugo quickly captivates the country’s high society. Reuniting with his former love, Frida Becker, he becomes entangled in a dangerous political power struggle. But when he falls from grace, the same society that once adored him turns against him with equal fervor. Shot in breathtaking locations across Italy and Mexico, and based on Luis Spota’s novel of the same name, this poignant debut feature by writer-producer Edgar San Juan offers a sharp critique of politics, class aspirations, and the influence of social media, bolstered by strong performances and stunning locations.

Tickets

• $10 festival admission; $8 MFAH members, students with ID, seniors (65+)

Plan Your Visit

• This screening takes place in Brown Auditorium Theater in the Law Building.
• Parking Information | Museum Hours | MFAH Campus Map

About the Director
Edgar San Juan is a Mexican writer, director, and producer, who runs the production company Film Tank, which creates films and contents for digital platforms. His credits as writer/producer include Northless Norteado (Mexico/Spain, 2009, directed by Rigoberto Pérezcano) and Chalán (Mexico, 2012, directed by Jorge Michel Grau). His credits as producer include The Maid La nana (Chile/Mexico, 2009, directed by Sebastián Silva) and The Towrope La sirga Colombia/France/Mexico, 2012, directed by William Vega). His short film Una bala won the award for Best Film at the Tokyo ShortShorts Film Festival and the Toulouse, Sao Paulo and San Sebastián International Film Festivals, among others. Quite Like Paradise, which was one of top grossing Mexican movies of 2024, marks his debut narrative feature film.